Pedestrian killed, cyclist hurt

In unrelated accidents Monday, a man is fatally struck by a car while crossing the street, and a motorcyclist is injured by a turning pickup.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY
Published September 12, 2006

LARGO - A pedestrian is dead and a motorcyclist is in serious condition after two unrelated accidents that kept Largo police busy early Monday morning.

Pedestrian Thomas Mercure, 68, of Columbiana, Ohio, died at Largo Medical Center Hospital after he was hit by a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis on East Bay Drive, just west of the intersection of Keene Road, according to police.

Mercure was crossing East Bay Drive about 6:20 a.m., after buying food from a McDonald's across the street from where he parked.

As Mercure entered the westbound median lane, he was struck by a Grand Marquis driven by Susan Baker, 58, of Hudson.

No charges have been filed in relation to the crash, and Largo police said there are no indications that Baker caused the accident.

Just 15 minutes later, Largo police responded to an accident at the intersection of Clearwater-Largo and Rosery roads involving a motorcycle and a pickup.

The 2000 Suzuki motorcycle was driven by Richard C. Rudiander of St. Petersburg. Police say Rudiander was driving southbound on Clearwater-Largo Road and collided with a 2003 Chevrolet pickup driven by Travis J. Avera, 22, of Largo.

Police say Avera was driving northbound on Clearwater-Largo Road when he turned left in front of the motorcycle.

Rudiander was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg by helicopter and was in critical condition Monday evening, police said. Charges are pending.